Alexander Schneider, president at Nikki Beach Hotels and Resorts, will be participating in this week’s Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum, presented by Questex, parent company of Hotel Management magazine.
Schneider will be on the “Brand Appeal: CEOs on Branding in the Resort Market” panel on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., discussing the value brands bring to resorts, potential consolidation of brands and new brands entering the resort market.
Schneider has been working with Nikki Beach since April 2016, heading the opening of Nikki Beach Resort Spa Dubai. He currently is overseeing plans for expansion in Europe and the Middle East. Born and raised in Germany, Schneider has more than 17 years of hotel-management experience, having worked with major hotel operators such as Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi UAE, Rixos Properties UAE, Grand Hyatt, Germany and Casa Camper. He has a strong track record in pre-opening assignments, as well as in providing guidance to owning companies for their hotel assets. With a focus on the strategic leadership of the brand and its operations, Schneider’s role encompasses development and monitoring operational excellence in existing properties.
Ahead of the Forum, Schneider shared his thoughts on future destinations for Nikki Beach’s resorts and the appeal of gathering at industry events.
How do you feel the hospitality and leisure investment climate is across the Mediterranean at the moment?
There is a lot of momentum and new destinations are coming up. In general, the Mediterranean theatre will remain the most important eco-system for our brand. The vibe and the cultural diversity make the Med a unique part of the global tourism system.
Earlier this year you announced new developments planned for Santorini, Montenegro and Sri Lanka. What is the appeal of these destinations?
Our current pipeline and its imminent growth is a clear indication that the market is truly craving our experiential lifestyle concept.
Under the Nikki Beach Global portfolio and situated on a private peninsula in the bay of Budva, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Montenegro will be part of a luxury private villa development. The property overlooks a marina and the historical old town of Budva, which was founded by the Romans. As the hottest resort and party destination in Montenegro, Budva attracts sophisticated travelers and the ultra-luxury yachting community, matching perfectly the Nikki Beach guest profile. The brand’s beach club concept, Nikki Beach, also will be integrated into the resort. Budva is a beloved year-round destination known for its crystal waters, breathtaking mountains and amazing food and wine.
Greece has always been a natural habitat for our brand and the opportunity to launch a boutique resort in the world-renowned destination of Santorini is one of the most important steps in our growth process...Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini caters to discerning travelers with its collection of 62 luxe rooms and suites, stylish beach club, international restaurants and bars and idyllic ambiance.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Sri Lanka will be located within a new development in the area’s most pristine beach of Balapitya...The property, which will be open year-round, will consist of 200 rooms and suites with rooftop pools and a stunning 200-meter private beach.
Looking ahead to the session you are participating in at MR&H 2019, what are the main values you believe a brand brings to a resort?
Hotel owners and investors are looking for sustainable partnerships able to introduce and facilitate meaningful and wholesome brands which provide the true potential of making a difference in a currently opaque hospitality environment.
Nikki Beach is disrupting the classic hotel brand eco-system by offering a new experience through lifestyle and F&B concepts versus the typical hardware and amenity-driven interpretation of hotel rankings. We continue to provide a very refreshing experience for our guests and visitors that are craving something new.
As Nikki Beach properties around the world are located near the beach and the sea, we are a brand which is very connected to nature and this is aligned with our brand values and mission of Celebrating Life.
At Nikki Beach, we stay in-sync with the environment and with the clientele needs. We curate spaces. We stay cohesive, consistent in our campaigns and own our message: Every day needs to be celebrated. Every experience needs to be celebrated.
What is the significance and importance of the industry gathering for events such as MR&H 2019?
The hospitality market is experiencing a very strong globalization of brands these days. This effect has been further escalated by major mergers of hotel companies that will impact the versatility of experiences in individual destinations. Therefore, it is great to see how certain destinations focus on developing smaller contemporary brands like Nikki Beach Hotels and Resorts in order to break the monotony of the sterile, global hotel brand game.
Schneider will be speaking on Brand Appeal: CEOs on Branding in the Resort Market on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 9:30-10:15 a.m. For more information on MR&H 2019, visit www.mrandh.com.